New Doctor Who is 'simply the best'

Steven Moffat sings praises of Matt Smith

Doctor Who lead writer Steven Moffat has classified Matt Smith as "simply the best" Time Lord of the bunch - a brave statement as the 27-year-old actor prepares to receive the Tardis keys from David Tennant.

Moffat, who's penning six of the thirteen episodes for Smith's first series next year, told the 2009 Screenwriters' Festival in Cheltenham the thesp (pictured) was "all the things you'd expect, including ancient", and "someone you can't take your eyes off".

He promised the new series would deliver "great stories", "joyous moments" and "heartbreak". The latter might, for Who fans, include the fact that the Tardis will undergo "a significant makeover". Moffat defended: "There is a plot reason for it."

Before fans can enjoy Smith as Doctor Who, David Tennant bows out with three specials. The Waters of Mars hits the small screen in November, while his curtain call comes in The End of Time, due for broadcast later this year or early in 2010. ®